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Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

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Nationwide is a Fortune 100 company with unparalleled financial stability and claims-paying ability that has recently ventured into the pet insurance marketplace.

The company stands out because they offer expanded coverage beyond just cats and dogs, as well as wellness plans that cover things like checkups and vaccinations.
 
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How is Nationwide rated?

Breakdown

5.0/5
Coverage
3.0/5
Cost
4.0/5
Extras

Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 (Excellent)

Nationwide's Whole Pet with Wellness Plan is one of the most comprehensive on the market, and it will, as a result, cost you more than most standard pet insurance plans.

Nationwide is one of the few pet insurance providers that will extend coverage beyond dogs and cats, covering birds and all manner of other pets.

Truly unlimited coverage, however, is only offered if you choose the top tier plan.

Be aware that all plans besides Whole Pet with Wellness operate on a benefit schedule.

Nationwide Coverage

Coverage - 5 / 5

Nationwide's Whole Pet with Wellness plan is a great option for a complete pet insurance plan.

In addition to the normal accident and illness coverage, it also provides for yearly physical exams, vaccinations, and flea/heartworm prevention. It is, however, on the pricey side as a result. Its Major Medical plan is more in line cost and coverage-wise with the standard accident and illness plans offered by most companies.

You can also purchase the wellness plan on it's own, and it is relatively inexpensive. Finally, Nationwide recently released a more inexpensive Whole Pet plan without the wellness component.

This plan has many of the same characteristics of Whole Pet with Wellness, operates on a percentage reimbursement basis, but is subject to different annual caps.

It is interesting to note that Nationwide is the only company we are aware of that extends pet insurance beyond cats and dogs.

The company will cover most birds and a wide range of exotic pets.
Pets Covered
Dogs
Cats
Birds
Exotic Animals
Coverage Types
Medical
Wellness
Vet Selection
Unrestricted
Out-of-State Coverage
Yes
Commercial Pets Covered

Medical Conditions Covered

  • Accidental
  • Illness
  • Hereditary
  • Congenital
  • Cancer
  • Chronic
  • Accidental Dental
  • Dental Illness

Medical Treatments Covered

  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization
  • Prescription Medications
  • Emergency Care
  • Specialty Care
  • Alternative Care
  • Behavioral Therapy

Benefit Limits

Benefit Limits - 5 / 5

Both Nationwide models -- Whole Pet with 90% reimbursement, and all other plans with a benefit schedule -- offer unlimited annual maximums. The new Whole Pet plan without wellness, though, is subject to a $10,000 annual cap.

Additionally, you must remember that any plan but the Whole Pets are going to limit you by condition or procedure.

So even though technically there is no limit to the dollar amount they will spend on your pet in a year in total, there are limits on a condition and service basis with the lower two plans.
Benefit Limit Types
Unlimited

Reimbursement & Deductibles

Reimbursement - 5 / 5

Nationwide's top tier Whole Pet with Wellness, as well as the new Whole Pet (alone) plan, both reimburse 90% of the total vet bill.

However, Major Medical and Pet Wellness reimburse according to a benefits schedule.

These schedules cap payouts by condition or service. If you are going with one of these plans we suggest you scrutinize your policy carefully before purchase, as your pet's breed may be susceptible to certain conditions with low coverage limits in the plan.

Benefits schedules, and no choice in customizing the reimbursement percentage in the top tier plan, limit the flexibility of Nationwide's offerings.
Reimbursement Model
Actual Cost
Benefit Schedule
Minimum Percent Reimbursement
90%
Maximum Percent Reimbursement
90%

Deductibles - 5 / 5

Nationwide Whole Pet with Wellness offers one annual deductible of $100.

This is in some ways good because it is so low. But you will not have the flexibility of choosing higher deductibles should you want a lower monthly premium or should it somehow fit your needs in other ways.

Most of our top companies offer customizable deductibles.

The new Whole Pet without the wellness component, as well as the Major Medical plan, both have annual deductibles set at $250.
Deductible Type
Annual
Minimum Deductible Offered
$100
Maximum Deductible Offered
$250

Pricing: How much does Nationwide cost?

Cost - 3 / 5

Nationwide's plans are comprehensive, but you are going to pay the price. Their monthly premiums are a little on the high end as opposed to our other companies.

Starting Monthly Premiums

Dog: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male Golden Retriever in zip code 92683
$34.25
Cat: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male American Shorthair in zip code 92683
$18.84
Rate Details: Annual Deductible: $250, Benefits Cap: Annual & Unlimited, Reimbursement Model: Benefits Schedule
Available Discounts: 5% discount on current Nationwide member

Enrollment & Waiting Periods

Enrollment - 3 / 5

Like our other companies, Nationwide will enroll pets starting at 6 weeks. Unlike our other companies, Nationwide has a relatively lower age restriction with older pets at 10 years.

However, if the pet is enrolled before age 10, and the policy never lapses, they will be covered for the duration of their lives.

Waiting periods are industry standard at 14 days, although Wellness starts 24 hours after approval.
Min Enrollment Age
6 weeks
Max Enrollment Age
10 years
Accident Waiting Period
14 days
Illnesses Waiting Period
14 days
Free Look Period
10 days

Claims & Service

Extras - 4 / 5

Nationwide's claims procedure is standard for the pet insurance industry.

Like other companies, you must first pay the vet directly, download Nationwide's claim form, and submit the form with all paid invoices. You can submit via mail, fax or email.
Advertised Response Time
14 days
Claim Form
Mail
Email
Fax

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
https://www.petinsurance.com/
Headquarters Address
One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH, 43215
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2344, Brea, CA, 92822
Year Founded
1981
What We’re Hearing From Our Readers
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Customer Comments

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Iona

7/27/2017
I don't know how else to say this, but Nationwide saved my dog's life this year! I have had the most incredible experience with this company from day one and will continue to insure every pet I ever have with them. Even on the small day to day vet bills, immunizations, RX fees, etc. Their customer service is AMAZING and polite, they always get you to a real person right away. Here is my major promotion for this particular pet insurance company: My dog crashed with an unknown illness and was rushed to the pet emergency hospital in May. 2 weeks in the ICU, numerous scans, ungodly amounts of testing, and two months of crazy expensive meds later he is safe, sound, and healthy! Almost... Read More
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Dee M

7/27/2017
Our boy Toby Tyler the Water Warrior Lab is two and half years old now. Nationwide has been our choice for his Pet Insurance coverage. Over that time we've had occasion to need their help and Nationwide has ALWAYS been on the spot. Not only with coverage but even follow-ups to check on Toby to see if he is back on par and well again. The coverage they offer is bar none to others we reviewed when he was born. I hope, when others are searching for coverage for their four legged children, they pick Nationwide.
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Re's P

7/27/2017
I really like the product and having insurance for my 4-legged children gives me peace of mind. This most recent review, understandably, required details from the vet's office and Nationwide required time beyond the 30 days but I was understanding of that. I did call on day 30 to make sure it was in process since I hadn't heard anything and then I learned a letter explaining additional time was needed had been sent out. I'd love to get emails instead of letters of those notifications. But otherwise, everything is great and I recommend this insurance to every pet parent I meet.
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Ann S

7/27/2017
I sent a special thank you letter and photograph last week. We can't thank you enough for expediting our claim! Baxter is fine and back to his old mischievous self and hopefully he won't EVER want to eat gravel again. Sincerely - Ann Saltmarsh
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Eleanor M

7/27/2017
Thank you so much Toby is doing much better I think your company is great thank you again
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Sarah S

7/27/2017
Nationwide has been a great help to us in taking care of Miss Ruby's various health issues-at this point she seems to have recovered well from leg amputation and no signs of spread of cancer Thank you for asking Sarah Springsteen
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A
Annette S

7/26/2017
Nationwide has been a LIFE SAVER for us! We are continually blessed and astounded by their coverage for our rescue dog. I would recommend that people get Nationwide pet insurance as soon as they adopt or buy a pet. We called them right away and we are so glad we started carrying insurance from the beginning. I have many friends who wish they had insurance. I had no idea how many issues we would encounter with our rescue dog from thyroid to stomach problems to skin issues. We are incredibly grateful to Nationwide for helping us to afford our dog!
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Ed K

7/26/2017
Very pleased with the care and concern of the wonderful support people at Nationwide. My wife and I are especially thankful for the help provided (morally & financially) by those who reviewed our pet's medical diagnosis following an unexpected & surprising injury while innocently playing "tug-a-war" with a stuffed toy. Our 5-year old dog seems to have fully recovered and is truly a miracle dog & we are thankful for that & for Nationwide's help.
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Ed K

7/26/2017
Very pleased with the care and concern of the wonderful support people at Nationwide. My wife and I are especially thankful for the help provided (morally & financially) by those who reviewed our pet's medical diagnosis following an unexpected & surprising injury while innocently playing "tug-a-war" with a stuffed toy. Our 5-year old dog seems to have fully recovered and is truly a myracle dog & we are thankful for that & for Nationwide's help.
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Kim R

7/26/2017
I am so glad that I made the decision to purchase Nationwide insurance for my dog. The monthly premiums are very affordable, the out of pocket deductible is low, and the benefits you get are great! I get reimbursed for annual exams, flea medicine, dental care, and emergencies. Recently my dog tore his ACL. The surgery was very expensive and I had to pay the cost myself upfront. It wasn't in the budget to do so but luckily I have Nationwide. They reviewed my claim, and reimbursed us all but 10% of the cost in about 2 weeks. It was great to get the money back into our account so quickly. As long as I have pets they will all be covered by a Nationwide pet policy. I highly recommend... Read More
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